Touring Jacksonville’s Historical Plantations

Although the natural sights and sounds of Florida’s waters are spectacular in themselves, there are also beautiful and historical sites where families can both learn and enjoy a relaxing kayak tour. The Kingsley Plantation Historical Tour is known to be one of the most family-friendly and historically intriguing on-water tours in Jacksonville. This slave-era plantation sits on Fort George Island, leaving paddlers a nice hop over to the plantation before setting foot on land. The water here is near crystal clear with its blue-green hue, and the animals in the area are all but shy. In fact, one might think they had paddled into their own little Caribbean.

Osprey, spoonbills, heron, and other migratory birds glide across the water along with the tour’s kayaks, and often times, sea life pokes its head out to say hello. Eagle rays soar below as manatees munch on seaweed and dolphins leap about and play. It’s certainly a sight in itself, but the real attraction lies in the Kingsley Plantation. The plantation is home to a kitchen house, plantation house, and barn, but all about lays the memory of the slaves that lived there. Still, the tour is anything but morbid as it explores the beautifully aged grounds as you discover the most historically significant parts of the plantation.

When the history lesson is complete, fun ensues as the tour heads out to find a secluded beach where they can swim, have lunch and play in those blue waters. The Kingsley Plantation Historical Tour is a perfect family outing and one of the best family kayaking tours in Jacksonville. Not only is it educational, but it provides insight into Florida’s history as well as its natural backwaters.